[RESOLVED] php5 - global variable clarification

[KiwiDexter]

 

$a = 1;
$b = 2;


function nekkidrage()

   global $a, $b;

   exit()

Will $a = 1 and $b = 2 in the function? If so is this the best approach?

[kows]

yes, they will be available to the function. this approach is perfectly fine. you could also use the $GLOBALS array, but I prefer the method you posted.

function sum(){
  return $GLOBALS['a'] + $GLOBALS['b'];
} 

more on variable scope

[penagate]

I prefer not to use globals — for things which require global access, I use static variables in classes.

This approach gives you organisation: you can have a settings class, a database class, and so on.

A function to me should be self-contained (unlike a class method). It should be stateless and deterministic — the same input should always give the same output — unless it is specifically otherwise (such as a pseudo-random algorithm).

[KiwiDexter]

I prefer not to use globals — for things which require global access, I use static variables in classes.

This approach gives you organisation: you can have a settings class, a database class, and so on.

A function to me should be self-contained (unlike a class method). This means it takes input (arguments) and returns output, which doesn't depend on any other factors.

Baby steps for me dude, learning php as I go. Maybe next verison of the software

[penagate]

That's general advice, not just for PHP. Your approach is perfectly valid; I'm just offering another viewpoint.

Objects exist to provide state and so my opinion is that any function which requires state should be a class method.

[KiwiDexter]

That's general advice, not just for PHP. Your approach is perfectly valid; I'm just offering another viewpoint.

Objects exist to provide state and so my opinion is that any function which requires state should be a class method.

Not dissing the approach, simply stating there's a time factor involved so as much as I might like to add all the decent programming approaches I don't have time to learn them all.

[SambaNeko]

Nice function name, by the way...